Dog Health

Dogs do not get shingles or chicken pox. You cannot give shingles to your dog. However, dogs can contract a type of herpes virus that causes a severe illness in puppies. This virus is distantly...

When the mother dog begins the process of weaning her puppies, it is time to begin introducing the puppies to solid food and helping the mother dog recover from lactating. Most likely, while she...

A pregnant dog can experience many of the same symptoms as a pregnant woman. As the pregnancy progresses, they become uncomfortable with the added weight. They also can have complications from...

If your dog is pregnant there are a lot of things that should be adhered to with care. Dogs are sensitive to various kinds of infections, especially worms. Since pregnant dogs are giving a lot of...

Pomeranians are sweet dogs that are full of personality and are eager to please. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell if your Pomeranian was successfully bred and is ultimately pregnant....

Caring for puppies who have lost their mother can be a harrowing, stressful event. It can also be rewarding to see the young pups grow and change with each day. The first and most important thing...

A hernia is defined as a gap or weakness within a muscle mass that lets muscle, intestines or tissue pass through the space causing pain. Hernias are common in humans, as well as in dogs. ...

Hookworms are one of the most common infestations in dogs. The worm is resilient, living in an environment for weeks without food, and can pass quickly into a dog's bloodstream unnoticed. They are...

Hookworms frequently attack puppies and can cause death if not promptly treated by a veterinarian. Puppies seem to be more susceptible than adult dogs. There are other species of worms that dogs...

Loose stool in puppies is not unusual. Changes in food can upset the digestive tract. Puppies are also in a stage when they are going through a lot of transitions and stress. They leave their moms...

Urinary tract infections are not uncommon in puppies. Many dog guardians don't realize their puppies have a UTI until they become frustrated because the puppy isn't making progress with...

Hookworms are troublesome parasites for dogs of any age. But for puppies in particular, these thin little worms--only about a half-inch long--can be deadly. Hookworm infestation in puppies...

Both parvovirus and coronavirus are highly contagious diseases that infect dogs of all ages, although puppies are by far the most vulnerable. The severity of both diseases can range from very mild...

Canine distemper virus can quickly kill dogs and puppies. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al; 2007) recommends that all puppies get their first distemper...

Fleas and ticks have plagued both humans and their pets for centuries. Small, bloodsucking parasites, fleas and ticks can infest your dog and cause anemia and other illnesses if not properly...

New puppies are a true joy, but inevitably some puppies develop a problem. Frequently a puppy will become constipated. This is especially common around the time the puppies are introduced to...

Canine Parvovirus, commonly referred to as 'parvo', is one of the leading causes of death in puppies every year. Parvo is a contagious gastrointestinal disease. Though adults can get parvo they...

Canine impetigo is most common in puppies and is easy to handle in the first stages so that it does not spread to others. Identification and proper cleaning will provide a cure in a few days.

Hookworms are a dangerous threat to dogs, but puppies in particular can suffer from anemia and iron deficiency and even be killed by these parasites. If your puppy or puppies exhibit signs of...

A female boxer dog enters her first heat cycle at nine to 12 months of age. With tail raised, she attracts potential mates and pregnancy can occur. There are several important things to know...

Roundworms and hookworms are intestinal parasites, both of which can cause serious issues in canine health. Although treatment for both roundworms and hookworms is simple and inexpensive,...

Most dog owners will face the runs in their pets. Though it is a common problem, diarrhea in puppies can easily escalate from a slight disturbance to a deadly condition. Treating diarrhea quickly...

Seizures in four-week-old puppies are uncommon, but they can arise from many sources, including fever, hypoglycemia, parasites, reactions to food or foreign substances, heredity, and idiopathic...

Canine parvovirus, which is usually called parvo, is a disease that normally affects puppies and sometimes older dogs. Parvo kills cells in the puppy's digestive tract, causing severe...

Coprophagia is the term for puppies and dogs that eat their poop. It may be acceptable behavior to them, but certainly not to their owners. Finding the reason for it is the first step in...

Puppies love to chew on just about anything. The rubbery nature of electrical cords make these items especially inviting for puppies. A puppy's risk for burns to his mouth and electrical shock are...

West Highland Terriers, also called Westies, are friendly, loyal dogs from the start. Stocky and low to the ground, what they lack in stature, they make up for with big personalities. Westies are...

Bovine colostrum has developed a reputation for being a super-supplement for conditioning and weight gain in human beings. However, bovine colostrum can also provide benefits to newborn puppies...

Roundworms, also known as ascarids, commonly occur in dogs. They can be passed on from pregnant dogs to puppies in the womb or while nursing. Dogs can also become infected after ingesting other...

Ensuring a puppy is healthy and well-cared for is a challenge. In addition to proper food and a safe environment, puppies need vaccinations and other basic veterinarian care. Owners must be alert...

The two biggest concerns when caring for newborn puppies are hypothermia and trouble breathing, so keeping the dogs warm and massaging the chest to get the lungs working are crucial. Keep new...

When caring for newborn puppies, make sure they are nursing off the mother, are urinating and defecating regularly, are crying a little and are kept very warm. Monitor normal behavior in newborn...

The canine herpes virus, known as CHV-1, affects only dogs and cannot be transmitted to other species. The virus causes respiratory illness in adult dogs and can be deadly to newborn puppies and...

Canine herpes is a virus that does not affect adult dogs, but is devastatingly fatal to newborn puppies up to three weeks old.

Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world is a wonderful experience. Having a healthy dog during a pregnancy is an absolute must to keep the experience from going blissful to tragic. Like...

While your dog won't be pregnant long, the care she gets during those weeks is critical to both her health and that of her litter. Veterinary care and your own understanding of the pregnancy...

Awaiting the arrival of new puppies can be a very exciting time for your family. Preparing ahead of time for the litter will make the birth less stressful for both you and your dog. You can...

Stool eating in dogs, called coprophogy, is undesirable but not abnormal. Many other types of animals engage in this behavior. The exact reason why dogs eat poop is unknown, but there are many...

Hair loss in puppies is not uncommon. It can be caused by many conditions, including parasites, inherited conditions, infections, allergies and, occasionally, more serious illnesses. In most...

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a lot like bringing a baby into your home in terms of safety. A house should be puppy proofed to protect your new puppy. Puppies will get into many things...

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends the routine spaying of puppies nine to 13 weeks of age. Early spaying is associated with several benefits and few serious risks.

While dog hiccups may be alarming the first time your pet experiences them, they're actually very common, go away on their own and are rarely a cause for concern.

This article will guide you on how to deliver your litter of puppies. Veterinarian's recommend that your dog shouldn't be bred when she gets her first heat cycle unless she's at the age of 1 year...

The mother bitch is often responsible for the care and well-being of her newborn litter. If the mother is absent, inattentive or unable to care for her new puppies, you may have to remove them...

Digestive system parasites are more dangerous for puppies than adult dogs, but worms can cause discomfort and poor health in dogs of any age. Parasitic worms are identified by a fecal test...

Pitbull puppies are much like other large breed dogs when it comes to feeding. They require lots of balanced nutrition in order to grow and thrive. Because these dogs are both large and...

When your dog is about to have puppies it is important to understand her gestation cycle to keep her comfortable and to know what to expect. Dog pregnancies differ considerably from those of humans.

Newborn puppies receive antibodies from their parents, but only for as long as they are feeding from their mother. Puppies are not naturally immune to diseases when they are born, and once they...

Dogs are known for their unconditional companionship to their owners. Keeping your dog in good health is a way to show your unconditional love for her. Knowing when your dog can become pregnant is...

Puppy mange is caused by mites. It is a skin condition that is often found in puppies that have not been raised in clean conditions. When you buy puppies from a breeder, the condition of the puppy...